Water treatment device

Abstract

To provide a water treatment device that can hold humidity of a peripheral space of a water treatment device.SOLUTION: A water treatment device includes: a water purification part for filtering raw water; a purified water outlet for purified water that has been purified by the water purification part; and a mist outlet provided in a position different from the purified water outlet. The water purification part is installed inside a housing and the mist outlet is provided in the housing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water treatment device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, as a water treatment device, a water purifier that removes trihalomethanes contained in tap water by filtering tap water (raw water) with a filter material has been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The water purifier described in Patent Document 1 uses activated carbon as a filtering material, and has a front activated carbon layer, a rear activated carbon layer, and a spray nozzle placed between the two. Water that has passed through the front activated carbon layer is atomized by the spray nozzle before passing through the rear activated carbon layer, thereby volatilizing trihalomethanes, and the trihalomethanes reduced by the spraying are further adsorbed by the rear activated carbon layer. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-146777 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A water treatment device capable of maintaining humidity in the space surrounding the water treatment device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The water treatment device according to the present invention includes a water purification unit that filters raw water, a purified water outlet for the purified water filtered by the water purification unit, and a mist outlet provided at a position different from the purified water outlet. The water purification unit is provided within a housing, and the mist outlet is provided on the outer surface of the housing.

[0007] In addition, the water treatment device of the present invention is characterized in that a mist generating unit that converts the purified water filtered by the water purification unit into mist is provided within the housing, and the mist converted into mist by the mist generating unit is sprayed from the mist outlet provided on the outer surface of the housing.

[0008] In addition, in the water treatment device according to the present invention, an electrolytic cell is provided in the housing, and the electrolytic cell includes at least two electrodes. Functional purified water that has passed through the electrolytic cell and the water purification unit is converted into mist in the mist generating unit and sprayed from the mist outlet.

[0009] In addition, in the water treatment device according to the present invention, the purified water outlet includes a water intake pipe extending from the top surface of the housing and a water intake port provided at the tip of the water intake pipe, and the root portion of the water intake pipe and the mist outlet are arranged offset from each other in the left-right direction when viewed from the front of the housing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present invention, it is possible to maintain humidity in the space surrounding the water treatment device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of a water treatment device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the internal configuration of a water treatment device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a mist generating unit. [Figure 4] 1 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a water treatment device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of a water treatment device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the internal configuration of a water treatment device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the underside of the main body portion. [Figure 8]FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of a water treatment device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of a water treatment device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the internal configuration of a water treatment device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the underside of a water treatment device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a water treatment device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of a water treatment device according to a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing the appearance of a water treatment device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the internal configuration of a water treatment device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the underside of a water treatment device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of a water treatment device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing the internal configuration of a water treatment device according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the backflow prevention unit of the water treatment device according to the first to fifth embodiments. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the backflow prevention unit of the water treatment device according to the first to fifth embodiments. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the backflow prevention unit of the water treatment device according to the first to fifth embodiments. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a modified example of the water treatment device according to the first to fifth embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention relates to a water treatment device that includes a mist generating unit and a control unit that controls the operation of the mist generating unit, and that sprays purified water or functional water in a mist form toward the outside of the device.

[0013] A feature of the water treatment device according to this embodiment is that the mist generating unit can convert purified water purified in at least the water purification unit into mist and spray it around the surrounding area. Furthermore, the mist can provide a moisturizing effect to the user of the water treatment device. Furthermore, by providing a functional unit, the water treatment device according to this embodiment can supply functional water that has acquired a predetermined function to the mist generating unit and convert it into mist. This makes it possible to provide the user of the water treatment device and the surrounding area with an effect derived from the function of the functional water by spraying the mist.

[0014] Hereinafter, the water treatment device according to this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] [First embodiment] The water treatment device A1 of this first embodiment is a water treatment device that has a mode (purified water mode) in which raw water supplied from a water faucet is purified and discharged, as well as a mode (functional water mode) in which the purified water is given a predetermined function and discharged, and a mist mode in which a portion of the water discharged in the purified water mode or functional water mode is converted into mist and sprayed.

[0016] Fig. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of a water treatment device A1 according to a first embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the water treatment device A1 according to the first embodiment. In the schematic diagram of Fig. 2, electrical signals are indicated by dashed lines.

[0017] As shown in Figure 1, the water treatment device A1 is composed of a main body 10 having an attachment portion 11 that is attached to the faucet of a water tap 101, and a separate, approximately box-shaped housing 20 that is connected to the main body 10 via a water supply hose 15.

[0018] The main body 10 is provided with a switching valve 16 that switches the water passage that passes raw water received from a water faucet through the mounting part 11 into the main body 10 between a raw water flow passage 14 that directs the raw water to a raw water outlet 12 that discharges the raw water outside the main body 10 and a purified water flow passage 31 that directs the water to the purified water section 30 inside the housing 20 via a water supply hose 15.

[0019] Switching valve 16 is a branch stopcock including multiple valve bodies that can selectively switch raw water received from a water main to at least two routes, and has lever 13 that rotates within a predetermined angle range. Lever 13, which is operated by the user, allows two-stage switching operation: raw water discharge, which discharges raw water from raw water outlet 12 provided at the bottom of main body 10, and target water discharge, which allows the user to take in water desired by the user (hereinafter also referred to as target water) from water intake port 26a via water intake pipe 26 provided on the housing 20 side.

[0020] The housing 20 houses a water purification unit 30, a hydrogen water production unit 40 as a functional unit, a mist generation unit 60, and a control unit 50. The housing 20 also includes a power plug 29 (see FIG. 2) and is configured to receive power from a commercial power outlet or the like, allowing the hydrogen water production unit 40 and the mist generation unit 60 to operate under the control of the control unit 50.

[0021] 1, a display unit 21 is disposed on the front of the housing 20, and various information to be presented to the user is displayed on the display unit 21. The display unit 21 is equipped with a touch panel, and therefore also functions as an input unit.

[0022] Next, the internal configuration of the housing 20 will be described. As shown in Fig. 2, the housing 20 is provided with a water purification unit 30, a hydrogen water production unit 40, and a mist generation unit 60 as a water flow system that processes supplied water as it passes through it. These components are connected by a flow path that includes a purified water flow path 31 and a mist generation flow path 41 formed within the housing 20. The housing 20 also includes a control unit 50 as an electrical system that performs the electrical control and management required for water flow and processing in the water flow system. The water flow system components and electrical system components are housed and arranged within the roughly box-shaped housing 20.

[0023] The purified water flow path 31 includes a water supply hose 15 connecting the main body 10 and the housing 20, and a flow path connecting the hydrogen water generator 40 and the water purifier 30 inside the housing 20. Water (raw water), which is the raw material for producing purified water, is received into the housing 20 via the water supply hose 15, passes through each component of the water supply system and the flow paths connecting them, and reaches a water intake pipe 26 extending from the top surface of the housing 20. In this embodiment, one end of the water supply hose 15 is connected to a water outlet on the main body 10 attached to the faucet 101, and the other end of the water supply hose 15 is connected to a water inlet on the housing 20, so that tap water is supplied as raw water from a water pipe to the housing 20. The raw water supplied into the housing 20 is then supplied to the hydrogen water generator 40.

[0024] A flow rate sensor 32 is disposed in the purified water flow path 31 extending from the switching valve 16 to the hydrogen water generator 40. The flow rate sensor 32 is, for example, an impeller-type flow meter, and is electrically connected to the controller 50. The flow rate sensor 32 outputs an electrical signal (flow rate signal) corresponding to the amount of water flowing through the purified water flow path 31 to the controller 50. The controller 50 displays the accumulated flow rate calculated based on the input flow rate signal on the display unit 21.

[0025] The hydrogen water generator 40 is a functional part that generates hydrogen water as functional water, and is composed of a hollow, approximately box-shaped electrolytic cell formed to be watertight. At least two electrodes 44 are disposed inside the electrolytic cell, and each of the electrodes 44 is electrically connected to the control unit 50 so that one serves as an anode and the other as a cathode. No diaphragm or the like is provided inside the electrolytic cell to separate the anode side from the cathode side, and water flowing close to each electrode 44 mixes with each other. Raw water received from the water faucet 101 and supplied to the hydrogen water generator 40 passes through the electrolytic cell and reaches the water purification unit 30.

[0026] The water purification unit 30 includes a cartridge containing a filter material such as a hollow fiber membrane or activated carbon. The water purification unit 30 filters and purifies functional water by adsorbing odorous substances and the like onto the filter material, producing purified functional water. The functional water supplied to the water purification unit 30 via the hydrogen water production unit 40 passes through the cartridge and reaches the water intake pipe 26 via the water intake channel 25, and also reaches the mist generation unit 60 via the mist generation flow path 41. The cartridge is replaced after a predetermined period of time, or when the flow rate of water passing through the filter material exceeds a predetermined amount.

[0027] A branch section 23 is provided midway along the mist-generating flow path 41, to which the mist-generating section 60 downstream of the water purification section 30 is connected, and which branches the flow path into the water intake channel 25 on the water intake pipe 26 side. Downstream of the branch section 23, the flow path diameter of the mist-generating flow path 41 on the mist-generating section 60 side is made narrower than the water intake channel 25 on the water intake pipe 26 side (see Figure 3). This ensures that the amount of target water taken in from the water intake port 26a is sufficient, while also supplying the mist-generating section 60 with the amount of water needed to generate mist.

[0028] Furthermore, a check valve 42 is provided as a backflow prevention unit downstream of the branching point 23 in the mist generating flow path 41 and upstream of the connection position of the mist generating unit. By providing the check valve 42, functional water not used in the mist generating unit 60 is prevented from flowing back into the intake channel 25 and being mixed in.

[0029] The mist generating unit 60 includes a mist generating means, which converts purified hydrogen water (purified functional water) that has passed through the hydrogen water generating unit 40 and the water purifying unit 30 into mist and sprays it outside the housing 20. In this embodiment, the mist generating means includes a porous impregnated body 64 that absorbs and holds water, and an ultrasonic vibrator 65, and uses an ultrasonic method in which the water is converted into mist by vibrating the impregnated body 64 via the ultrasonic vibrator 65 (see FIG. 3).

[0030] 3, the mist generating unit 60 is composed of, for example, a hollow container 61. A nozzle 62 communicating with the mist outlet 27 is provided at the top of the container 61, and a water inlet 63 from the mist generating flow path 41 is provided at the bottom. The lower end of an impregnated body 64 in the container 61 is immersed in the water supplied from the mist generating flow path 41, so that the impregnated body 64 holds the water for generating mist.

[0031] The purifying water mist generated by the mist generating unit 60 is formed on the upper surface of the housing 20 and sprayed into the air from the mist outlet 27. This moisturizes the dry air.

[0032] Downstream of the connection point of the mist generating flow path 41 to the mist generating unit 60 is a drainage channel leading to a drain outlet 43 that discharges excess water that did not flow into the mist generating unit 60. The drain outlet 43 is provided, for example, on the back or side of the housing 20, and a drainage tube that directs excess water to a sink may be connected to the drain outlet 43 if necessary. Note that in this embodiment, if the flow rate in the mist generating flow path 41 downstream of the branching point 23 is sufficiently less than the flow rate of the water intake channel 25, the drainage channel may be omitted.

[0033] Next, the electrical configuration of the water treatment device A1 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the water treatment device A1. In Fig. 4, the electrical configuration of the water treatment device A1 is shown by solid lines, and the electrical configuration added to the solid line configuration in water treatment devices according to other embodiments and modifications described below is shown by dashed lines.

[0034] The control unit 50 is configured by a printed circuit board on which electronic components such as a computing device 51, a memory 52, and a switching element are mounted, and is capable of controlling the operation of the water treatment device A1.

[0035] A power button B1 is connected to the control unit 50, and it accepts input from the user. A display unit 21 equipped with a touch panel is also connected to the control unit 50. The display unit 21 displays a functional water button F1 that switches the hydrogen water production unit 40 on and off, and a mist button F2 that switches the mist generation unit 60 on and off, and accepts input from the user. The control unit 50 can receive power from a commercial power source or the like via a power plug 29.

[0036] The flow rate sensor 32 is connected to the control unit 50. A program for calculating the integrated flow rate based on the electrical signal input from the flow rate sensor 32 is stored in the memory 52 of the control unit 50. The control unit 50 calculates the integrated flow rate by the operation of the calculation device 51, and displays the calculation result on the display unit 21.

[0037] The control unit 50 is also connected to the electrodes 44 of the hydrogen water production unit 40. The control unit 50 refers to the applied voltage stored in the memory 52 in response to a command from the calculation device 51, and controls the adjustment of the power supply so that a predetermined voltage is applied to each electrode 44 arranged in the hydrogen water production unit 40.

[0038] The control unit 50 is also connected to the ultrasonic vibrator 65 of the mist generating unit 60. The control unit 50 vibrates the ultrasonic vibrator 65 at a vibration frequency according to the mist spray intensity (e.g., light, medium, heavy, etc.) selected by the user.

[0039] Next, a series of operations in the water treatment device A1 having the above-described configuration will be described.

[0040] When the user presses the power button B1 of the water treatment device A1 with the power plug 29 connected to a commercial power source or the like, the water treatment device A1 starts up in the water purification mode and waits for water to flow or a button input.

[0041] When a user opens the water tap 101 to allow water to flow through the purified water flow path 31, the raw water passes through the purified water section 30 without being electrolyzed in the electrolytic cell of the hydrogen water generating section 40, and is discharged from the water intake pipe 26 as purified water.

[0042] Furthermore, when the user selects the functional water mode via the touch panel of the display unit 21, power is supplied to generate a predetermined DC voltage between the anode or cathode electrodes of the electrolytic cell in the hydrogen water production unit 40. This causes purified hydrogen water (purified functional water) to be discharged from the water intake pipe 26 through the hydrogen water production unit 40 and the water purification unit.

[0043] Similarly, when the user selects the mist mode via the touch panel of the display unit 21, the control unit 50 controls the supply of power to the ultrasonic vibrator 65 so that it vibrates at a predetermined vibration frequency. When only the mist mode is selected, purified water is sprayed to the outside from the mist outlet 27 through the mist generator 60. When both the functional water mode and the mist mode are selected, purified functional water is sprayed to the outside from the mist outlet 27 through the mist generator 60.

[0044] The amount of water discharged from the water intake pipe 26, that is, the amount of purified water and purified functional water used, and the operating time of the mist generating unit 60 are constantly added up and displayed on the display unit 21.

[0045] A water treatment device having the above-described configuration can be said to have the following configuration: That is, the water treatment device A1 according to this embodiment includes a water purification unit 30 that filters raw water supplied from a faucet 101, an attachment unit 11 that is attached to the faucet 101, a main body 10 that has a switching valve 16 that switches between a purified water flow path 31 in which the raw water passes through the water purification unit 30 and a raw water flow path 14 that does not pass through the water purification unit 30, a mist generation unit 60 that turns the purified water filtered by the water purification unit 30 into mist, and a control unit 50 that controls the operation of the mist generation unit 60.

[0046] With this configuration, at least purified water is sprayed as mist into the space surrounding the water treatment device A1, which makes it possible to maintain humidity during dry times and to provide a moisturizing effect to the skin of the user, such as the face.

[0047] Furthermore, the water treatment device A1 according to this embodiment includes a functional unit (hydrogen water generation unit 40) that generates functional water, and the mist generation unit 60 sprays the mist of functional water from a mist outlet 27 that is provided at a position different from the purified water outlet for purified water filtered by the water purification unit 30. More specifically, the purified water outlet is a water intake port 26a that faces downward in a water intake pipe 26 that protrudes from the left side above the center of the top of the housing 20, and the mist outlet 27 is a hole that opens upward and is provided to the right of the center of the top of the housing 20.

[0048] The functional part is a hydrogen water generating part 40 including electrodes for generating hydrogen, and the hydrogen water generating part 40 is provided upstream of the water purifying part 30.

[0049] With this configuration, the mist generating unit 60 turns hydrogen water into mist, which is expected to moisturize the skin of the user, such as the face, and prevent rough skin. In addition, the functional water discharged from the hydrogen water generating unit 40 passes through the water purifying unit 30, which can remove odors and other impurities caused by substances generated by electrolysis in the functional unit.

[0050] In addition, the water treatment device A1 of this embodiment has a branching section 23 downstream of the water purification section 30 that branches the purified water flow path 31 into a water intake channel 25 leading to the purified water outlet (water intake port 26a) and a mist generation flow path 41 to which the mist generation section 60 is connected.

[0051] With this configuration, the user can easily introduce the amount of water required to generate mist into the mist generating unit 60 simply by opening the water faucet 101 and letting water flow through the purified water flow path 31 .

[0052] The mist generating flow path 41 is configured to have a smaller flow rate than the water intake path 25. Specifically, the flow path diameter of the mist generating flow path 41 is made smaller than that of the water intake path 25, so that the water flow rate in the mist generating flow path 41 is smaller.

[0053] With this configuration, it is possible to ensure a sufficient amount of target water to be used as drinking water, etc., while reducing the amount of excess water not used in the mist generating section 60, thereby suppressing the wasteful use of water.

[0054] Furthermore, the mist generating flow path 41 is provided with a backflow prevention section upstream of the mist generating section 60. In this embodiment, the backflow prevention section is a check valve .

[0055] With this configuration, even if water guided downstream from branching section 23 in mist generating flow path 41 remains in mist generating flow path 41 without being used by mist generating section 60, the backflow prevention section prevents the remaining water from flowing back into intake pipe 26 via intake channel 25, thereby maintaining hygienic purified drinking water. Furthermore, because the backflow prevention section is a check valve 42, backflow can be reliably prevented.

[0056] The mist generating flow path 41 also has a drain port 43 for draining excess water that has not flowed into the mist generating section 60 .

[0057] With this configuration, excess water that does not flow into the mist generating section 60 can be discharged to the outside through the flow path.

[0058] Furthermore, in the water treatment device A1 according to this embodiment, the water intake 26a of the water intake pipe 26 is positioned sufficiently away from the drain outlet 43. This prevents wastewater discharged from the drain outlet 43 from mixing with the target water discharged from the water intake 26a.

[0059] Furthermore, a mist outlet 27 for spraying the mist generated in the mist generating unit 60 toward the outside is provided on the top surface of the housing 20 that houses the water purification unit 30.

[0060] With this configuration, it is possible to spray mist over a wide area around the sink where the water treatment device A1 is installed.

[0061] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of a water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiment described below, the same names or the same reference numerals are used for the configurations common to or corresponding to the first embodiment, and the description of overlapping content will be omitted as appropriate.

[0062] Fig. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of a water treatment device A2 according to a second embodiment, and Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the water treatment device A2 according to the second embodiment. The electrical configuration of the water treatment device A2 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the block diagram of Fig. 4.

[0063] In the first embodiment, the mist generating unit 60 and the display unit 21 are arranged in a housing 20 separate from the main body unit 10, but the water treatment device A2 of this embodiment differs in that the mist generating unit 60 and the flow rate display unit 121 are arranged in the main body unit 110.

[0064] In addition to the water supply hose 15, a water purification hose 17 that returns the target water from the housing 120 to the main body 110, and a cable 19 that supplies power from the power plug 29 to the mist generating unit 60 and flow rate display unit 121 of the main body 110 are provided between the main body 110 and the housing 120.

[0065] The purified water hose 17 is provided in place of the water intake pipe 26 of the water treatment device according to the first embodiment. Raw water supplied from the faucet 101 is received into the housing 120 via the water supply hose 15 by switching the switching valve 16, and then passes through the hydrogen water production unit 40 and the water purification unit 30, which are functional units within the housing 120, to reach the purified water hose 17. In this embodiment, one end of the purified water hose 17 is connected to the water inlet of the main body 110 attached to the faucet 101, and the other end of the purified water hose 17 is connected to the outlet on the housing 120 side, thereby returning the target water from the housing 120 to the main body 110.

[0066] A target water outlet 112 is provided at a position different from the raw water outlet 12 at the bottom of the main body 110. Within the main body 110, a branching section 23 is provided, which branches the purified water flow path 31 into a water intake channel 25 leading to the target water outlet 112 and a mist-generating flow path 41 to which the mist generating section 60 is connected.

[0067] Furthermore, a reservoir 70 is provided at the connection point between the mist generating flow path 41 and the mist generating unit 60. The reservoir 70 stores a predetermined amount of functional water that is converted into mist by the mist generating unit 60. The reservoir 70 may be formed to allow communication between the mist generating unit 60 and the mist generating flow path 41, and may be, for example, capable of partially expanding the flow path diameter of the mist generating flow path 41 to retain water.

[0068] The storage unit 70 is also provided with a heater 71. The heater 71 is electrically connected to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 drives the heater 71 at low output when the mist generating unit 60 is driven, and drives the heater 71 at high output when the mist generating unit 60 is not driven. More specifically, when the mist generating unit 60 is driven, the control unit 50 drives the heater 71 at a predetermined output to keep the temperature of the stored water in the storage unit 70 at around 40°C, for example. When the mist generating unit 60 is not driven, the control unit 50 drives the heater 71 at a higher output than when the mist generating unit 60 is driven, and heats the stored water in the storage unit 70 to a temperature of 75°C or higher, for example.

[0069] Here, when the mist generating unit 60 is not being driven refers to a state in which the mist generating unit 60 is not being driven, such as when the faucet 101 is not open, when the faucet 101 is open but the switching valve 16 is in a position that allows raw water to pass through the raw water flow path 14, or when the faucet 101 is open and the switching valve 16 is in a position that allows raw water to pass through the purified water flow path 31 but the mist mode is not selected. In other words, the control unit 50 executes control to increase the heater output when the mist generating unit 60 is not being driven compared to the heater output when the mist generating unit 60 is being driven, thereby making it possible to sterilize the inside of the storage unit 70 by heat when the mist generating function is not being used.

[0070] It is not necessary to keep driving the heater 71 at high output all the time when the mist generating unit 60 is not driven, but it is sufficient that the temperature of the water stored in the storage unit 70 can be maintained at 75°C or higher for a certain period of time that is effective for sterilization. Therefore, the control unit 50 may be configured to, for example, drive the heater 71 at high output for a predetermined driving period (e.g., 10 minutes) and then execute control to stop the power supply to the heater 71.

[0071] Furthermore, when the mist generation function is not in use, the heater 71 may heat the storage unit 70 at a frequency that maintains a sanitary state within the storage unit 70. Therefore, when the mist generation unit 60 is not being driven, the control unit 50 may, for example, determine whether a preset stop time (e.g., one hour) has elapsed since the last time the mist generation unit 60 was driven at high output, and if the preset stop time has elapsed, control the operation of the heater 71 to drive the heater at high output for a predetermined drive time (e.g., 10 minutes), thereby driving the heater intermittently. In other words, by limiting the drive time of the heater 71 at high output, it is possible to suppress an increase in power consumption when the mist generation function is not being used.

[0072] On the other hand, when the mist generating unit 60 is driven, the heater 71 is driven with a lower output than when the mist generating unit 60 is not driven, making it possible to supply mist at a comfortable temperature for the user (for example, 30°C to 40°C).

[0073] The top surface of the main body 110 is provided with an upwardly opening mist outlet 27 and a mist button F2 for switching the mist mode on and off. The mist button F2 is electrically connected to the control unit 50. In response to a drive command from the control unit 50, mist generated by the mist generator 60 inside the housing 120 is sprayed to the outside through the mist outlet 27. By providing the mist button F2 on the top surface of the main body 110, the user can easily and quickly start and stop the mist generator 60. Furthermore, by providing the mist button F2 on the same surface as the mist outlet 27, the user can see them within the same field of view, allowing the user to easily check the status of mist discharge from the mist outlet 27 and its stoppage in conjunction with the operation of the mist button F2. The functional water button F1 for switching the functional water mode on and off is provided as a selection button displayed on the display unit 21 equipped with a touch panel, as in the water treatment device A1 according to the first embodiment.

[0074] A flow rate display unit 121 is arranged on the front of the main body 110, separate from the display unit 21 of the housing 120. The flow rate display unit 121 displays the cumulative amount of raw water based on the electrical signal of the flow rate sensor 32.

[0075] The downstream side of the mist generating flow path 41 from the mist generating section 60 serves as a drainage channel leading to a drain outlet 43 for discharging excess water that has not flowed into the mist generating section 60 .

[0076] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the underside of the main body 110. As shown in FIG. 7, the drain outlet 43 is provided at a position different from the raw water outlet 12 and the destination water outlet 112 on the underside of the main body 110, rearward of the mounting portion 11. The drain outlet 43 is preferably located away from the destination water outlet 112. By providing the drain outlet 43 rearward of the mounting portion 11, wastewater discharged from the drain outlet 43 can be prevented from mixing with the destination water discharged from the destination water outlet 112. Furthermore, by providing the destination water outlet 112 forward of the mounting portion 11, the distance between the drain outlet 43 and the destination water outlet 112 can be increased, further preventing wastewater discharged from the drain outlet 43 from mixing with the destination water discharged from the destination water outlet 112.

[0077] The housing 120 contains the water purification unit 30, the hydrogen water production unit 40 as a functional unit, and the control unit 50. The housing 120 may be placed in a space under a sink, for example, within a range where the water supply hose 15, the water purification hose 17, and the cable 19 can be routed.

[0078] When the user operates the lever 13 to switch the switching valve 16 to the purified water flow path 31, which directs raw water to the purified water section 30, the raw water supplied from the faucet 101 is supplied into the housing 120 via the water supply hose 15, and the target water that has returned from the housing 120 is discharged from the target water outlet 112.

[0079] At this time, when the mist button F2 is pressed by the user, the mist generating unit 60 operates and mist is sprayed from the mist outlet 27 into the air.

[0080] A water treatment device having the above-described configuration can be said to have the following configuration: That is, in the water treatment device A2 according to this embodiment, mist outlet 27 is provided on the upper surface of main body 110. Furthermore, mist outlet 27 is provided on main body 110 forward of mounting portion 11.

[0081] With this configuration, it is possible to spray mist at a position closer to the user.

[0082] In the water treatment device A2 according to this embodiment, a reservoir 70 is provided at the connection portion between the mist generating flow path 41 and the mist generating unit 60.

[0083] With this configuration, a predetermined amount of functional water can be stored in the storage section 70, and therefore, idle operation of the mist generating section 60 can be prevented.

[0084] The reservoir 70 is provided with a heater 71 as a heating means.

[0085] With this configuration, it is possible to provide the user with heated hot mist from the mist outlet 27.

[0086] Furthermore, the control unit 50 drives the heater 71 with different outputs when the mist generating unit 60 is driven and when it is not driven.

[0087] According to this configuration, by driving the heater 71 at high output when the mist generating unit 60 is not driven, it is possible to sterilize the inside of the reservoir 70 by heat.

[0088] The reservoir 70 may be provided as part of the mist generating unit 60. For example, the reservoir may be replaced by a reservoir configured to store a certain amount of water at the bottom of the container 61 described with reference to Fig. 3 .

[0089] [Modification of the second embodiment] Next, a modified example of the second embodiment of the water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described. This modified example relates to temperature adjustment of the reservoir 70.

[0090] The water treatment device A2 may include a Peltier element as a cooling means in the storage unit 70 instead of the heater 71. The Peltier element is electrically connected to the control unit 50, and the control unit 50 drives the Peltier element at high output when the mist generating unit 60 is driven, and drives the Peltier element at low output when the mist generating unit 60 is not driven. More specifically, when the mist generating unit 60 is driven, the control unit 50 drives the Peltier element at a predetermined output to cool the water stored in the storage unit 70 to a desired temperature (e.g., 10°C). When the mist generating unit 60 is not driven, the control unit 50 drives the Peltier element at a lower output than when the mist generating unit 60 is driven, to maintain the temperature of the water stored in the storage unit 70 at a constant temperature. In this case, the constant temperature is preferably a temperature below the optimal growth temperature of bacteria classified as mesophilic, from the perspective of inhibiting bacterial growth.

[0091] When the mist generating unit 60 is driven, if the Peltier element is driven at a higher output than when it is not driven, the stored water in the storage unit 70 is strongly cooled and cooling mist is sprayed from the mist outlet 27. This allows the user to feel cooler from the cooling mist during the hot summer months.

[0092] Note that the control unit 50 may be provided with a circuit that changes the direction of current to the Peltier element, thereby providing a mist temperature adjustment means in the storage unit 70 that can selectively heat or cool. In this case, a selection button that allows the user to select either heating or cooling is displayed on the display unit 21, allowing the user to select the mist temperature.

[0093] When a Peltier element is used as the heating means, as in the case of heater 71, when mist generating unit 60 is driven, control unit 50 drives the Peltier element at a predetermined output to keep the temperature of the water stored in storage unit 70 at around 40°C, for example. When mist generating unit 60 is not driven, control unit 50 drives the Peltier element at a higher output than when mist generating unit 60 is driven, to heat the water stored in storage unit 70 to a temperature of 75°C or higher, for example.

[0094] The water treatment device having the above-described configuration can be said to have the following configuration: That is, a cooling means is provided in reservoir 70 of water treatment device A2 according to this modified example.

[0095] With this configuration, it is possible to provide the user with mist at a desired temperature according to the type of functional water.

[0096] In the above-described first and second embodiments and their modifications, examples have been described in which the water purification unit 30 and the functional unit (hydrogen water production unit 40) are arranged in the housing 20, 120 and are separate from the main body unit 10, 110, but the configuration in which they are separate from the main body unit 10, 110 can be changed. For example, only the functional unit may be separate, and all other components may be provided in the main body unit attached to the faucet 101.

[0097] Furthermore, the mounting portion 11 includes not only those that are attached to the faucet of a water faucet, but also those that can be attached to the raw water outlet of a stop valve in various plumbing fixtures such as a kitchen or bathroom. For example, the main body including the water purification unit and switching valve may be installed in the piping under the sink, with the functional unit and mist generating unit 60 installed separately on the faucet side. In such a case, it goes without saying that the raw water outlet 12 and purified water intake 26a on the main body will be modified into shapes that can be connected to the piping.

[0098] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment of a water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiments described below, the same names or the same reference numerals are used for configurations that are common to or correspond to the first and second embodiments, and descriptions of overlapping content will be omitted as appropriate.

[0099] 8 and 9 are explanatory diagrams showing the appearance of a water treatment device A3 according to a third embodiment, with FIG. 8 showing a state in which a power supply unit 80 is attached and FIG. 9 showing a state in which the power supply unit 80 is removed. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the water treatment device A3 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic bottom view of the water treatment device A3. FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the water treatment device A3 according to the third embodiment.

[0100] The water treatment device A3 according to this embodiment is configured by integrally connecting a water purification unit 30, an ionized water production unit 140 as a functional unit, a control unit 50, and a power supply unit 80 to a main body unit 210 having an attachment unit 11. That is, the main body unit 210 is configured from a main body central unit 220 having an attachment unit 11, a tubular casing 230 that houses the water purification unit 30 and is provided on the left side of the main body central unit 220, and a power supply unit 80 that is detachably connected to the right side of the main body central unit 220.

[0101] In addition to the mounting part 11, the switching valve 16 and the control part 50 are arranged inside the main body central part 220, which is the central part of the water treatment device A3, and a plurality of water passages that constitute the water passage system are formed. Each water passage is configured to communicate with the raw water outlet 12 provided on the underside of the main body central part 220 and the water purification part 30 connected to the left side of the main body central part 220.

[0102] A lever 13 is disposed on the front surface of the central body portion 220, with which the user operates a switching valve 16 to switch the flow path.

[0103] A flow rate display unit 121 is disposed on the upper surface of the main body central portion 220. As in the second embodiment, the flow rate display unit 121 displays the cumulative amount of water flowing toward the water purification unit 30 based on the electrical signal of the flow rate sensor 32.

[0104] Additionally, a functional water button F1 is located on the top surface of the main body central portion 220. The functional water button F1 is electrically connected to the control unit 50. In this embodiment, when the user presses the functional water button F1 to select the functional water mode, ON / OFF control of the drive of the ionized water generating unit 140 and the mist generating unit 60 is performed.

[0105] The tubular casing 230 is a part of the main body 210 that is formed integrally with the main body 210 into a cylindrical shape with a circular cross section, and detachably houses the cylindrical water purification cartridge that constitutes the water purification unit 30. The cross-sectional shape of the tubular casing 230 is not limited to a circle, but may be an ellipse or a polygon such as a square. The tubular casing 230 also houses the ionized water generation unit 140 and the mist generation unit 60. The rear side of the tubular casing 230 is a lid 231, and the water purification cartridge can be replaced by opening the lid 231.

[0106] A target water outlet 112 for discharging the target water that has passed through the water purification unit 30 and the ionized water production unit 140 is provided on the lower surface side of the cylindrical casing 230.

[0107] The power supply unit 80 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped outer shape and houses a storage battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, serving as a power source. A mating protrusion 81, with a substantially T-shaped cross section, is attached to the left side of the power supply unit 80, which faces the main body center 220. The mating protrusion 81 can be slidably fitted into a rail-shaped mating recess 221 provided on the right side of the main body center 220. A contact for current is provided on the flat surface that forms the head of the T of the mating protrusion 81. By sliding the mating protrusion 81 into the mating recess 221, the contact for current on the mating protrusion 81 comes into contact with a power-receiving contact provided on the right side of the main body 210, which forms the bottom of the mating recess 221. This allows power to be supplied from the power supply unit 80 to the electrical components of the main body 210. The power supply unit 80 can be easily removed by sliding it relative to the main body 210 to release the engagement of the engagement convex portion 81 with the engagement concave portion 221, and is configured so that the internal storage battery can be charged using a charger.

[0108] Note that an all-solid-state battery may be used as a storage battery serving as a power source. While lithium-ion batteries use a liquid electrolyte, all-solid-state batteries use a solid electrolyte. Because all-solid-state batteries have a wider operating temperature range than lithium-ion batteries and do not leak, they can be used in harsh temperature environments. It is preferable that such all-solid-state batteries be those in which at least one of the positive electrode, negative electrode, and solid electrolyte layer contains a sulfide-based solid electrolyte.

[0109] Furthermore, a substantially U-shaped rib portion 223 is provided on the right side surface of the main body central portion 220, surrounding three sides of the right side surface. In other words, the rib portion 223 is provided around the edge of the right side surface of the main body central portion 220, except for the direction (rear side) that becomes the receiving opening for the fitting protrusion 81 of the fitting recess 221. The rib portion 223 is composed of a vertical rib portion 223a provided to protrude in a direction along the plane of the right side surface of the main body central portion 220, and a horizontal rib portion 223b provided to protrude in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the right side surface.

[0110] The rib portions 223 are intended to prevent water from entering the contact point between the main body central portion 220 and the power supply portion 80. For example, when a user is washing dishes or the like using raw water discharged from the raw water discharge port 12, the vertical rib portions 223a act as a barrier to prevent splashed water droplets from flowing from the upper surface of the main body portion 210 toward the power supply portion 80. In addition, the horizontal rib portions 223b effectively prevent water that has flowed over the vertical rib portions 223a from entering between the power supply portion 80 and the main body central portion 220.

[0111] In this embodiment, both the vertical rib portion 223a and the horizontal rib portion 223b are provided around the edge of the right side surface of the main body central portion 220 except for the direction that forms the receiving opening for the fitting protrusion 81 of the fitting recess 221. However, the vertical rib portion 223a may be formed in the shape of a flange that surrounds the entire edge of the right side surface of the main body central portion 220. In other words, the rib portion 223 only needs to have a notch cut out on the insertion end side of the power supply unit 80 in the horizontal rib portion 223b that surrounds the engagement recess 221 and protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the right side surface of the main body central portion 220. Furthermore, the vertical rib portion 223a may be omitted and only the horizontal rib portion 223b may be provided, or conversely, the horizontal rib portion 223b may be omitted and only the vertical rib portion 223a may be provided.

[0112] The following describes the internal configuration of the main body 210. The ionized water generating section 140 and the mist generating section 60, which serve as functional sections, are housed in a cylindrical casing 230 together with the water purifying section 30.

[0113] The switching valve 116 is provided with an angle sensor 33. The angle sensor 33 detects a rotation angle corresponding to the amount of operation of the lever 13, and is electrically connected to the control unit 50. The control unit 50 acquires information about the selected flow path based on the rotation position of the lever based on the electrical signal from the angle sensor 33. Note that, instead of the angle sensor 33, other means may be used to acquire the flow path information, such as an electrical circuit in which contacts are closed and electricity is applied as the lever 13 moves to each rotation position.

[0114] The ionized water generator 140 is disposed downstream of the water purification unit 30 in the purified water flow path 31. An electrically operated switching valve 36, operated by driving a motor 37, is disposed between the water purification unit 30 and the ionized water generator 140. The switching valve 36 is electrically connected to the control unit 50, which operates the switching valve 36 by driving the motor 37 based on flow path information selected by the lever 13. That is, the switching valve 36 switches between a flow path that directs purified water that has passed only through the water purification unit 30 toward the destination water outlet 112 and a flow path that supplies purified water that has passed through the water purification unit 30 to the ionized water generator 140.

[0115] The ionized water generator 140 is a functional part that generates ionized water as functional water, and is composed of a hollow, approximately box-shaped electrolytic cell formed to be watertight. This electrolytic cell is a two-chamber electrolytic cell whose interior is divided by a diaphragm into a cathode chamber 141 and an anode chamber 142, and each chamber is provided with an electrode 45 that serves as a cathode and an electrode 45 that serves as an anode. Each electrode 45 is electrically connected to the controller 50. The interior of the electrolytic cell is divided into the cathode chamber 141 and the anode chamber 142, and the acidic ionized water and alkaline ionized water in each chamber flow into the downstream flow path from ionized water outlets provided in the cathode chamber 141 and the anode chamber 142 without mixing with each other.

[0116] The ionized water outlet on the cathode chamber 141 side of the electrolytic cell is connected to a water intake channel 125 leading to the target water outlet 112 , and alkaline ionized water is discharged from the target water outlet 112 on the bottom surface of the cylindrical casing 230 .

[0117] The ionized water outlet on the anode chamber 142 side of the electrolytic cell is connected to the mist generation flow path 41 and leads to the mist generating unit 60. In the mist generating unit 60, acidic ionized water, also known as astringent water, is converted into mist. The acidic ionized water converted into mist in the mist generating unit 60 is sprayed from the mist outlet 27, which is provided on the top surface of the cylindrical casing 230 and opens upward. The mist outlet 27 may also be provided on the front surface of the cylindrical casing 230.

[0118] Acidic ionized water not used in the mist generating unit 60 is discharged from the drain outlet 43. As shown in Figure 11, the drain outlet 43 is located on the underside of the tubular casing 230 at a position different from the target water outlet 112, from which purified water and alkaline ionized water are discharged. Specifically, the target water outlet 112 is located on the underside of the tubular casing 230 forward of the mounting unit 11, while the drain outlet 43 is located on the underside of the main body central portion 220 rearward of the mounting unit 11. This prevents acidic ionized water from mixing with alkaline ionized water to be consumed as a drink.

[0119] In other words, the target water outlet 112 is located on the left side, which is one side in the left-right direction, in front of the mounting part 11, and the drain outlet 43 is located on the right side, which is the other side in the left-right direction, behind the mounting part 11. In this way, by locating the drain outlet 43 in a different position from the target water outlet 112 and at a position rearward and separated from the mounting part 11 in the left-right direction, it is possible to prevent acidic ionized water from mixing with the alkaline ionized water discharged from the target water outlet 112. Furthermore, by locating the target water outlet 112 in front of the mounting part 11, the drain outlet 43 and the target water outlet 112 are also spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction. This allows for an even greater distance to be separated between the drain outlet 43 and the target water outlet 112. In this way, by separating the drain outlet 43 and the target water outlet 112 in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions and arranging them approximately diagonally across the raw water outlet 12, it is possible to more effectively prevent the alkaline ionized water discharged from the target water outlet 112 from being mixed with the acidic ionized water discharged from the drain outlet 43.

[0120] In this embodiment, the flow path is branched into the purified water flow path 31 and the mist generation flow path 41 by an electrolytic cell partitioned into a cathode chamber 141 and an anode chamber 142. Therefore, this electrolytic cell also serves as the branching section 23 in the water treatment device A1 according to the first embodiment.

[0121] Next, a series of operations in the water treatment device A3 having the above-described configuration will be described.

[0122] When the user presses the functional water button F1 to select the functional water mode and then opens the water faucet 101 to allow water to flow through the purified water flow path 31, the raw water passes through the water purification unit 30 and reaches the electrolytic cell in the ionized water production unit 140. In the electrolytic cell, electrolysis is carried out by the electrodes in each chamber that receive power, and alkaline ionized water that has passed through the cathode chamber 141 of the electrolytic cell is discharged from the target water outlet 112.

[0123] The acidic ionized water that reaches the mist generating section 60 through the anode chamber 142 side of the electrolytic cell is converted into mist by the vibration of the ultrasonic vibrator 65 that receives power. As a result, the acidic ionized water is sprayed outward from the mist outlet 27.

[0124] A water treatment device having the above-described configuration can be said to have the following configuration: That is, the functional part of the water treatment device A3 according to this embodiment is an ionized water generator 140 having an anode, a cathode, and a diaphragm that separates the interior into an anode side and a cathode side, and the ionized water generator 140 is a branching part, and the flow path through which electrolyzed water flows from the anode side of the ionized water generator 140 is a mist generating flow path 41.

[0125] With this configuration, the mist generating unit 60 sprays the acidic ionized water, which is electrolyzed water flowing out from the anode side of the ionized water generating unit 140, as a mist, and it is expected that the effects of acidic ionized water, i.e., an astringent effect such as skin tightening, can be exerted on the user.

[0126] Further, the drain outlet 43 in the mist generating flow path 41 is provided on the lower surface of the main body 210 behind the attachment portion 11 .

[0127] With this configuration, the user can take in both raw water and purified water without mixing in excess water that did not flow into the mist generating section 60.

[0128] In addition, the purified water outlet (target water outlet 112) is provided on either the left or right side of the position of the mounting part 11 on the main body part 210, and the mist outlet 27 is provided on the side of the main body part 210 where the purified water outlet (target water outlet 112) is provided.

[0129] In such a configuration, it is possible to provide mist outlet 27 at a position higher than the upper surface of main body central portion 220, making it easier for mist to reach the user.

[0130] In addition, the water treatment device A3 of this embodiment has the water purification unit 30, functional unit, control unit 50 and power supply unit 80 integrally arranged in the main body 210, with the water purification unit 30 located on one side (left side) of the mounting part 11 and the power supply unit 80 on the other side (right side).

[0131] With this configuration, in the water treatment device A3, the water purification unit 30, which becomes heavy when it contains water, and the power supply unit 80, which becomes heavy due to the weight of the battery, are positioned to facilitate left-right weight balance with respect to the mounting position of the faucet 101, thereby stably mounting the unit to the faucet 101. Note that the power supply unit 80 and the water purification unit 30 may be positioned in front of and behind the mounting unit 11, as long as the positioning allows for weight balance.

[0132] [Modification of the third embodiment] Next, a modified example of the third embodiment of the water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described below. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of a water treatment device A3 according to a modified example of the third embodiment.

[0133] In the water treatment device A3 according to this modification, a tapered surface 232 is provided above the front end of a cylindrical casing 230, and a mist outlet 27 is provided on this tapered surface 232, thereby making it possible to spray mist diagonally forward.

[0134] The water treatment device A3 having the above-described configuration can be said to have the following configuration: That is, the mist outlet 27 of the water treatment device A3 according to this embodiment and the modified example is provided in the main body 210 forward of the attachment part 11.

[0135] With this configuration, the mist can be supplied from a position closer to the user, so that the functional water can have a greater effect on the user's face.

[0136] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiments described below, the same names or symbols are used for configurations that are common to or correspond to the first, second, and third embodiments, and descriptions of overlapping content will be omitted as appropriate.

[0137] Fig. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing the appearance of a water treatment device A4 according to a fourth embodiment, and Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of the water treatment device A4 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing the underside of the water treatment device A4 according to the fourth embodiment, and Fig. 17 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration. In Fig. 17, dashed lines indicate electrical configurations that are added to the configurations shown in solid lines in a water treatment device according to a modified example described below.

[0138] The water treatment device A4 according to this embodiment is configured such that a water purification unit 30, an ozone water generation unit 240 as a functional unit, and a control unit 50 are integrally connected to a main body 310 having an attachment unit 11. Specifically, a tubular casing 230 containing the water purification unit 30 is disposed on the left side of the attachment unit 11, and a lever 13 operated by a user to switch a switching valve 116 is disposed on the right side. In the main body 310, the water purification unit 30, the ozone water generation unit 240, and the mist generation unit 60 are housed within the tubular casing 230, and the control unit 50 is housed in a central main body portion 220. The main body 210 also includes a power plug 29 (see FIG. 15 ) and is configured to receive power from a commercial power outlet or the like, allowing the ozone water generation unit 240 and the mist generation unit 60 to operate under the control of the control unit 50.

[0139] In addition to the raw water outlet 12, a functional water outlet 114 is provided on the underside of the main body central portion 220. Also, a purified water outlet 113 that discharges purified water that has passed only through the water purification section 30 is provided on the underside of the tubular casing 230.

[0140] A flow rate display unit 121 is disposed on the upper surface side of the main body central portion 220. The flow rate display unit 121 displays the cumulative amount of raw water based on the electrical signal of the flow rate sensor 32, as in the second and third embodiments.

[0141] Also located on the top surface of the main body central portion 220 are a power button B1 for switching on / off the power supply from the commercial power source, and a functional water button F1 for switching on / off the operation of the ozone water generating portion 240 and the mist generating portion 60. The power button B1 and the functional water button F1 are electrically connected to the control portion 50.

[0142] When the user presses the power button B1 of the water treatment device A4 with the power plug 29 connected to a commercial power source or the like, the water treatment device A4 starts up in water purification mode and waits for water to flow or a button input. In this embodiment, when the user presses the functional water button F1 a first time, the ozone water generation unit 240 is turned on, when the user presses the functional water button F1 a second time, the mist generation unit 60 is turned on, and when the user presses the functional water button F1 a third time, the ozone water generation unit 240 and the mist generation unit 60 are turned off.

[0143] The following describes the internal configuration of the main body 310. In the purified water flow path 31 downstream of the switching valve 116, the water purification unit 30, the electrically operated switching valve 36, and the ozone water production unit 240 are arranged in this order.

[0144] The electrically operated switching valve 36 switches the flow path by driving a motor 37 electrically connected to the control unit 50. When the functional water button F1 is not operated and the ozone water generation unit 240 and mist generation unit 60 are not driven, the switching valve 36 is set to direct the purified water received in the purified water flow path 31 and passed through the water purification unit 30 to the purified water outlet 113. On the other hand, when the functional water button F1 is pressed by the user, the control unit 50 operates the switching valve 36 to switch the flow path so that the purified water received in the purified water flow path 31 and passed through the water purification unit 30 is directed to the ozone water generation unit 240.

[0145] The ozone water generator 240 is a functional unit that generates ozone water as functional water, and is composed of an electrolysis cell equipped with an anode and a cathode. The electrolysis cell receives purified water as raw water, electrolyzes the water, and dissolves the ozone generated in the water to obtain ozone water. Power is supplied to each electrode 46, which serves as an anode or cathode, in response to commands from the control unit 50.

[0146] A branching section 123 is provided midway along the mist generation flow path 41, to which the mist generating section 60, downstream of the ozone water generating section 240, is connected. The branching section 123 branches off, upstream of the mist generating section 60, into the functional water flow path 28, which is an ozone water flow path that leads from the mist generating flow path 41 to the functional water outlet 114, which is an ozone water outlet.

[0147] A return flow path 68 is formed downstream of the mist generating section 60 in the mist generating flow path 41 to return excess ozone water not used in the mist generating section 60 to the functional water flow path .

[0148] As shown in Figure 16, the functional water outlet 114 is located on the underside of the cylindrical casing 230, which has a circular cross section, at a different position from the purified water outlet 113 through which purified water is discharged. Specifically, the purified water outlet 113 is located on the underside of the casing 230, forward and to the left of the mounting part 11, while the functional water outlet 114 is located on the underside of the main body central part 220, to the right of the mounting part 11. This allows purified water and ozone water to be taken without mixing with each other. Furthermore, since both the functional water outlet 114 and the purified water outlet 113 are located forward of the mounting part 11, usability is improved from the perspective of taking in functional water and purified water.

[0149] Next, a series of operations in the water treatment device A4 having the above-described configuration will be described.

[0150] When the user presses the functional water button to select the functional water mode and mist mode, and then opens the faucet 101 to allow water to flow through the purified water flow path 31, the raw water passes through the water purification unit 30 and reaches the electrolysis cell of the ozone water generation unit 240. In the electrolysis cell, electrolysis is carried out by each electrode supplied with power, and the generated ozone water is discharged from the functional water outlet 114.

[0151] Furthermore, the ozone water that has reached the mist generating section 60 through the ozone water generating section 240 is turned into mist by driving the ultrasonic vibrator 65 that receives power supply.

[0152] The ozone water mist generated in the mist generating unit 60 is sprayed from the mist outlet 27 provided on the side of the main body central portion 220 where the lever 13 is located. The sprayed ozone water falls on the lever 13 that the user touches with their hand, and the sterilizing effect of the ozone water helps keep the lever 13 clean.

[0153] In this embodiment, the return path 68 returns excess water that does not flow into the mist generating section 60 to the functional water path 28, but a path branched off from the functional water path 28 may be connected to a path leading to the purified water outlet 113, and some or all of the ozone water flowing through the functional water path 28 may be returned to sterilize the purified water outlet 113 with ozone water.

[0154] A water treatment device having the above-described configuration can be said to have the following configuration: The functional part of the water treatment device A4 according to this embodiment is an ozone water generator 240 including electrodes for generating ozone, and the ozone water generator 240 is provided upstream of the mist generator 60 in the mist generation flow path 41.

[0155] With this configuration, the ozone water generated in the ozone water generating unit 240 is turned into mist and sprayed by the mist generating unit 60, so it is expected that the effects of ozone water, i.e., bactericidal and antibacterial effects, etc., will be exerted on the main body 210 of the water treatment device A4 and its surrounding area.

[0156] In addition, the water treatment device A4 of this embodiment has a branching section 123 upstream of the mist generating section 60 of the mist generating flow path 41 that branches off an ozone water flow path (functional water flow path 28) from the mist generating flow path 41 toward the ozone water outlet (functional water outlet 114).

[0157] With this configuration, an ozone water outlet (functional water outlet 114) is provided to allow water to be taken in, and by using ozone water as water for gargling, for example, it is possible to expect effects such as oral care and prevention of periodontal disease.

[0158] In addition, the mist generating flow path 41 is configured to return excess water downstream of the mist generating section 60 that has not flowed into the mist generating section 60 to the ozone water flow path (functional water flow path 28).

[0159] With this configuration, surplus water can also be taken from the ozone water outlet (functional water outlet 114), so the generated ozone water can be used without waste.

[0160] The mist outlet 27 is provided on the bottom surface and / or side surface of the main body.

[0161] With this configuration, by providing mist outlet 27 on the side as in this embodiment, lever 13 that the user touches can be effectively sterilized. Also, if a mist outlet is provided on the underside of main body 210, mist of ozone water can be sprayed toward the drain of the sink, etc., keeping the sink clean.

[0162] [Modification of the fourth embodiment] Next, a modified example of the fourth embodiment of the water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0163] Fig. 18 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified internal configuration of a water treatment device A4 according to a modification of the fourth embodiment. The electrical configuration of the water treatment device A4 according to the modification of the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17.

[0164] In the water treatment device A4 according to this modification, the switching valve 117 provided in the main body central portion 220 is a switching valve that switches the flow path among four paths. By switching this switching valve 117, it is possible to switch among the following paths: first, the raw water flow path 14 leading to the raw water outlet 12; second, the purified water flow path 31 leading to the water purification unit 30; third, the functional water flow path 48 leading to the ozone water generation unit 240; and fourth, a flow path that receives ozone water discharged from the ozone water generation unit 240 via the ozone water circulation path 49, sends it to the purified water flow path 31, and discharges the circulated ozone water from the purified water outlet 113.

[0165] The control unit 50 acquires information about the selected flow path from the rotational position of the lever 13 based on an electrical signal from the angle sensor 33 provided in the switching valve 117. Then, the control unit 50 controls the operation of the electric switching valve 38, which is installed downstream of the ozone water generating unit 240, based on the acquired flow path information.

[0166] The flow path passing through the water purification unit 30 toward the purified water outlet 113 and the flow path passing through the ozone water production unit 240 are separated and become independent flow paths via a switching valve 117 .

[0167] The mist generation flow path 41, which leads downstream from the ozone water generator 240 toward the mist generator 60, has a branch that branches off from the mist generation flow path 41 to a functional water flow path 28 that leads to the functional water outlet 114, which is an ozone water outlet, and this branch is configured to be able to switch the flow path by an electric switching valve 38. The switching valve 38 switches the flow path between a flow path that communicates with the functional water outlet 114 and supplies functional water to the mist generator 60 and an ozone water circulation path 49 by driving a motor 39 in response to a command from the control unit 50.

[0168] When the purified water flow path 31 is selected as the flow path of the switching valve 117 based on the rotational position of the lever 13, the raw water received from the faucet 101 passes through the purified water section 30, and the user can draw purified water through the purified water outlet 113.

[0169] When the functional water flow path 48 is selected as the flow path of the switching valve 117 by the rotational position of the lever 13, the ozone water generator 240 and the mist generator 60 are driven under the control of the control unit 50. At this time, the switching valve 38 is switched so that the outlet side flow path of the ozone water generator 240 communicates with the mist generation flow path 41 and the functional water flow path 28.

[0170] The ozone water that reaches the functional water flow path 28 through the ozone water generator 240 can be taken in from the functional water outlet 114. In addition, the ozone water that reaches the mist generator 60 through the ozone water generator 240 is converted into mist in the mist generator 60 and sprayed from the mist outlet 27.

[0171] Furthermore, when the ozone water circulation path 49 is selected as the flow path of the switching valve 117 depending on the rotational position of the lever 13, the ozone water generation part 240 and the mist generation part 60 are driven under the control of the control part 50, and the switching valve 38 is switched so as to communicate with the ozone water circulation path 49. Note that the switching valve 38 does not necessarily have to pass all of the ozone water that has passed through the ozone water generation part 240 through the ozone water circulation path 49.

[0172] Furthermore, the ozone water that passes through the ozone water circulation path 49 via the switching valve 117, the functional water flow path 48, and the ozone water generation unit 240 returns to the switching valve 117, enters the purified water flow path 31, and is discharged from the purified water outlet 113 via the purified water unit 30. As a result, the purified water unit 30 and the purified water flow path 31 are sterilized by the ozone water.

[0173] The water treatment device A4 according to the modified example having the above-described configuration can be said to have the following configuration: The functional water flow path 28 is configured to return at least a portion of the ozone water to the purified water flow path 31.

[0174] With this configuration, the purified water flow path can be sterilized and disinfected by the effect of ozone water.

[0175] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment of a water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described. In the embodiments described below, configurations that are common to or correspond to the first, second, third, and fourth embodiments are given the same names or the same symbols, and explanations of overlapping content will be omitted as appropriate.

[0176] The appearance of the water treatment device A5 according to this embodiment is similar to that of the fourth embodiment shown in Fig. 14, but differs from the fourth embodiment in that the mist sprayed from the mist outlet 27 is hypochlorous water. The internal configuration of the main body 310 will be described below with reference to Fig. 15.

[0177] The hypochlorous water generator 340 is a functional unit that generates hypochlorous water as functional water. The hypochlorous water generator 340 is composed of a hollow, substantially box-shaped electrolytic cell that is watertight. A cathode electrode and an anode electrode are disposed inside the electrolytic cell. The electrolytic cell is a single-chamber electrolytic cell without a diaphragm separating the anode side from the cathode side. Each electrode is electrically connected to the control unit 50.

[0178] A salt addition tube 75 is provided upstream of the hypochlorous acid water generator 340 as an input section for adding salt. The salt addition tube 75 has, for example, a funnel shape with its lower end communicating with the flow path, and a lid covering the upper part is provided on the upper surface of the main body 310. Purified water that has passed through the water purification section 30 passes through the salt addition tube 75 and reaches the hypochlorous acid water generator 340. A chlorine source such as table salt is added to the salt addition tube 75, and by contacting the purified water with the salt, an electrolyte is eluted, facilitating electrolysis in the electrolytic cell.

[0179] A branching section 123 is provided midway along the mist generating flow path 41, to which the mist generating section 60, downstream of the hypochlorous acid water generator 340, is connected. The branching section 123 branches upstream of the mist generating section 60 from the mist generating flow path 41 to the functional water flow path 28, which directs water toward the functional water outlet 114.

[0180] A return flow path 68 is formed downstream of the mist generating section 60 in the mist generating flow path 41 to return excess hypochlorous water not used in the mist generating section 60 to the functional water flow path .

[0181] The hypochlorous water that reaches the mist generating unit 60 through the hypochlorous water generating unit 340 is converted into mist and sprayed from the mist outlet 27 provided near the lever 13 on the side of the main body central unit 220 (see FIG. 14). The sprayed hypochlorous water falls on the lever 13 that the user touches with their hand, and the sterilizing effect of the hypochlorous water helps keep the lever 13 clean.

[0182] It can be said that the water treatment device having the above-mentioned configuration has the following configuration: That is, the functional part of the water treatment device A5 according to this embodiment is a hypochlorous acid water generating part 340 including electrodes for generating hypochlorous acid water, and has an input part (salt adding tube 75) for inputting salt upstream of the hypochlorous acid water generating part 340.

[0183] With this configuration, the hypochlorous acid water generated in the hypochlorous acid water generating unit 340 is turned into mist and sprayed by the mist generating unit 60, so that the effects of hypochlorous acid water, i.e., bactericidal and antibacterial effects, can be expected to be exerted on the main body 210 of the water treatment device A5 and its surrounding area.

[0184] The salt input section may also be provided in the water treatment device A1, which includes the hydrogen water generation section 40 as a functional section, in order to increase the efficiency of electrolysis and the concentration of active ingredients in the functional water. In this case, by providing the water purification section 30 downstream of the functional section, the chlorine odor caused by excess chlorine can be removed from the hydrogen water taken as drinking water.

[0185] [Modifications of the first to third embodiments] Next, modified examples of the first to third embodiments of the water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described. The modified examples of the backflow prevention unit will be described with reference to Fig. 19 to Fig. 21. Fig. 21 is an enlarged view of the portion indicated by the symbol D in Fig. 20.

[0186] In this modification, as shown in FIG. 19, instead of the check valve 42 shown in the first to third embodiments, a loop portion 76 with a hairpin-shaped flow path serves as a backflow prevention portion.

[0187] 20, excess water can be easily discharged by forming an inclined section 41a with a downward outlet at least downstream of the backflow prevention section in the mist generating flow path 41. In this case, the mist generating section 60 is provided midway along the inclined section 41a.

[0188] Additionally, the mist generating flow path 41 has a loop section 77 in the shape of a mountain loop that connects two inclined sections 41a, 41b, with the upstream side being a downward slope and the downstream side being a downward slope, respectively. Furthermore, an umbrella valve 78 for intake air is provided at the apex of the loop section 77. The umbrella valve 78 opens and closes in response to fluctuations in pressure within the flow path. The umbrella valve 78 is configured to open when negative pressure occurs within the mist generating flow path 41, allowing outside air to flow into the mist generating flow path 41, and close when the internal pressure rises.

[0189] The water treatment device according to the modified example having the above-described configuration can be said to have the following configuration: The mist-generating flow path 41 has an inclined section 41a that is inclined downward toward the drain outlet 43, and the mist-generating section 60 is provided midway along the inclined section 41a.

[0190] With this configuration, excess water that does not flow into the mist generating section 60 flows down the inclined section 41a and is quickly discharged from the flow path.

[0191] Further, the mist generating flow path 41 is provided with an intake valve (umbrella valve 78) upstream of the mist generating section 60.

[0192] With this configuration, even if excess water that does not flow into the mist generating section 60 cannot fall down the inclined section 41a due to surface tension, the excess water can be smoothly sent toward the outlet by setting the intake valve to the open position and taking in air from the outside into the flow path.

[0193] [Modifications of the first to fifth embodiments] Modifications of the first to fifth embodiments of the water treatment device according to the present disclosure will now be described. Fig. 22 shows examples of the electrical configuration of the water treatment device according to the modifications of the first to fifth embodiments. In these electrical configurations, it goes without saying that the power plug 29 that connects to a commercial power source can be replaced with a power supply unit 80, and the configuration shown in Fig. 22 will be modified depending on the configuration of each embodiment.

[0194] First, a first modification of the first to fifth embodiments of the water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0195] In the first to fifth embodiments, the switching valve 16 provided on the main body 10, 110, 210 switches the flow path between the raw water flow path 14 and the purified water flow path 31 when the user rotates the lever 13 by a predetermined angle. In contrast, this modified example differs in that, instead of the manual switching valve 16, an electric switching valve 118 electrically connected to the control unit 50 and a push button switch 83 are provided.

[0196] The push button switch 83 can be arranged in either the main body 10, 110, 210, 310 or the housing 20, 120 separate from the main body 10, 110, depending on the arrangement of the control unit 50. The user switches the flow path of the switching valve 118 by pressing the push button switch 83.

[0197] Next, a second modification of the first to fifth embodiments of the water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0198] In the first modified example, a pressure sensor 82 is provided instead of the flow rate sensor 32. The pressure sensor 82 is electrically connected to the control unit 50 and outputs an electrical signal to the control unit 50 according to the pressure applied to the purified water flow path 31. Based on the input pressure signal, the control unit 50 calculates, for example, the lifespan until replacement of a cartridge constituting the purified water unit 30, and displays this on the flow rate display unit 121.

[0199] Next, a third modification of the first to fifth embodiments of the water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0200] In the third variant, instead of using an ultrasonic method, the mist generating means of the mist generating unit 60 uses a method in which the lower end of the impregnated body is immersed in water and the water sucked up into the impregnated body is atomized by centrifugal force.

[0201] The impregnated body has, for example, a funnel shape, and is configured to rotate when driven by a motor 85 electrically connected to the control unit 50.

[0202] Alternatively, the mist generating means may be an electrostatic atomization method in which a needle-shaped electrode with vertical grooves is immersed in water and a high voltage is applied to the needle-shaped electrode to generate mist. In this case, mist generation is achieved by applying a predetermined voltage to the needle-shaped electrode, which is electrically connected to the control unit 50.

[0203] Next, a fourth modification of the first to fifth embodiments of the water treatment device according to the present disclosure will be described.

[0204] In the fourth modification, the control unit 50 adjusts the timing of driving the mist generating unit 60 in accordance with the amount of water supplied to the purified water flow path 31.

[0205] More specifically, when the functional water button F1 or the mist button F2 is pressed by the user, the control unit 50 does not activate the mist generating unit 60 at the timing of the button press, but rather activates the mist generating unit 60 after a predetermined flow rate has flowed.

[0206] The control unit 50 includes a timer 53. The control unit 50 transmits a drive signal to the mist generation unit 60 after a time preset in the timer 53 has elapsed since a signal indicating that the mist button F2 has been pressed has been input, for example.

[0207] In addition, a flow rate sensor 32 or a pressure sensor 82 is connected to the control unit 50, and the state of water flow through the purified water flow path 31 can be detected by an electrical signal from the sensor. The control unit 50 operates a timer 53 to send a drive signal to the mist generation unit 60 after a preset time has elapsed since the sensor input a water flow detection signal. The set time for the timer 53 is set taking into consideration the configuration and flow path length of the flow path from the sensor connection position in the purified water flow path 31 through which the functional water reaches the mist generation unit 60. As a result, the control unit 50 drives the mist generation unit 60 after a sufficient amount of functional water necessary for mist generation has been supplied to the mist generation unit 60.

[0208] The water treatment device according to the modified example having the above configuration can be said to have the following configuration: It includes a detection unit (flow rate sensor 32, pressure sensor 82) that detects the water flow state of the water purification unit 30 or the functional unit 40, 140, 240, 340, and the control unit 50 activates the mist generation unit 60 after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection unit detected the water flow state.

[0209] The detection unit can be, but is not limited to, a flow rate sensor 32 or a pressure sensor 82. The location of the detection unit can be freely changed as long as it is in the flow path upstream of the mist generating unit 60.

[0210] According to this configuration, the mist generating unit 60 is driven after a predetermined time has elapsed since the detection unit detected the water flow state, so that the mist generating unit 60 is prevented from running idle.

[0211] When an ultrasonic method is used as the mist generation means of the mist generating unit 60, preventing idling prevents damage to components such as the ultrasonic vibrator, thereby extending the life of the device.

[0212] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Therefore, even if the above-described embodiments are different, various modifications can be made depending on the design, etc., as long as they do not deviate from the technical concept of the present invention. Furthermore, the configurations of the above-described embodiments and the configurations of the modifications can be combined as appropriate.

[0213] The water treatment device of the present invention can also be applied to a central-type water treatment device. That is, it can be applied to a water treatment device that has a large-capacity water purification unit installed at the inlet of raw water (tap water) piped to a private home, and supplies purified water filtered in that unit to each room downstream (bathroom, washroom, kitchen, etc.). It is also envisioned that a water treatment device having a functional unit capable of producing functional water can be connected via attachment unit 11 to a discharge unit, which is the outlet for purified water supplied to each room through a single pipe that branches into multiple pipes. In other words, the water treatment device described above can be said to have the following configuration. (Configuration 1) A water purification unit that filters raw water, and a mist generating unit that turns the purified water filtered by the water purification unit into mist; A water treatment device characterized in that the functional water is misted and sprayed from a mist outlet located at a position different from the purified water outlet of the purified water filtered by the water purification unit. As a result, it is possible to provide a water treatment device that can provide measures against dryness to users of the device and to those in the vicinity of the device installation location. (Configuration 2) Configuration 1, A functional unit for generating functional water is provided. The functional water can be discharged from a purified water outlet, The mist of functional water is sprayed from a mist outlet provided at a position different from the purified water outlet. A water treatment device characterized by: This makes it possible to provide a water treatment device that can exert the effects derived from functional water. (Configuration 3) Configuration 1 or 2, A water treatment device characterized by having a branching section downstream of the water purification section that branches into a water intake channel leading to the purified water outlet and a mist generation flow path connected to the mist generation section. This has the effect that the user can easily introduce the amount of water required to generate mist into the mist generating section simply by passing water through it. (Configuration 4) Configuration 3, 10. A water treatment device according to claim 9, wherein the mist generating flow path is configured to have a smaller flow rate than the water intake channel. As a result, it is possible to secure a sufficient amount of target water for use as drinking water, etc., while reducing the amount of surplus water not used in the mist generating section, thereby suppressing the wasteful use of water. Furthermore, the configurations described in the other embodiments can be applied subordinately to the above configurations 1 to 4.

[0214] The water treatment device according to the present invention can contribute to the achievement of Goal 6 (clean water and sanitation for all) of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocated by the United Nations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0215] 10,110,210 Main body 11 Mounting part 16. Switching valve 21 Display section 23 Branch 25 Intake channel 27 Mist Exit 30 Water Purification Department 31 Purified water flow path 32 Flow sensor (detection part) 34 Drain 40 Hydrogen water generator 41 mist generating channel 41a Slope 42 Check valve (backflow prevention part) 50 control section 60 Mist generating unit 70 Storage section 71 Heater 75 Salt adding tube (addition part) 78 Umbrella valve (intake valve) 101 Faucet 121 Flow rate display section 112 Target water outlet 113 Purified water outlet 125 Intake Channel 140 Ionized water generation unit 240 Ozone water generation unit 340 Hypochlorous water generator A1~A5 Water treatment equipment

Claims

1. A water purification section that filters raw water; A purified water outlet for purified water filtered by the water purification unit; A mist outlet provided at a position different from the purified water outlet; Equipped with The water purification unit is provided in a housing, The mist outlet is provided on the outer surface of the housing. A water treatment device characterized by:

2. A mist generating unit that converts the purified water filtered by the water purification unit into mist is provided in the housing, The mist generated by the mist generating unit is sprayed from the mist outlet provided on the outer surface of the housing. The water treatment device according to claim 1 .

3. An electrolytic cell is provided in the housing, the electrolytic cell includes at least two electrodes; The functional purified water that has passed through the electrolytic cell and the water purification unit is converted into mist in the mist generating unit and sprayed from the mist outlet. The water treatment device according to claim 2 .

4. The purified water outlet includes a water intake pipe extending from the upper surface of the housing and a water intake port provided at the tip of the water intake pipe, The root portion of the water intake pipe and the mist outlet are arranged to be shifted in the left-right direction when viewed from the front of the housing.

4. The water treatment device according to claim 1, wherein the water treatment device is a water treatment device.

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